From 2026 parents and carers will need to enrol their children for local three and four-year-old kinder programs through the City of Greater Bendigo.
City of Greater Bendigo Community and Environmental Health Manager Sue Harrison said the City will undertake responsibility for the Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) for local kindergarten programs from January to ensure families have a streamlined and equitable process for enrolling their children in early learning.
"The service is currently provided by Loddon Mallee Preschool Association under a contract with the City. This contract is ending and the City has decided to bring enrolments back in-house," Ms Harrison said.
"By bringing the Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme back in-house, the City will be able to better support local families and providers and use data to plan for future needs.
"The transition will also strengthen the City's role in supporting early years development and other programs run by the City.
"Central enrolment helps families navigate the process with confidence and ensures children have the best start in life.
"The City acknowledges and thanks LMPA for their significant contribution in delivering this important service to families across Greater Bendigo for many years.
In Victoria all three and four year old children get funded kinder, saving families significant costs.
From 2026, the City will manage enrolments for 25 stand-alone kindergartens across Greater Bendigo and approximately 30 long day care kindergarten programs. There will be a total of 1,756 kindergarten places in stand-alone kindergartens and 256 kindergarten sessions will be delivered across Greater Bendigo.
The City will accept online enrolments from late January via its website.
